Krsna begins his sermon on the doctrine of action. He addresses Arjuna as Anagha – one without sin, pure. Arjuna is not a perfect person. He has many faults.
Arjuna is a soldier and accustomed to following orders, not contemplating and thinking. Hence he appeals to Krsna for precise instructions on what to do.
The verse highlights Arjuna’s confusion by the choice of names he uses to address Krsna. Janardana means protector of people while Kesava means killer of the demon Kesi.
The chapter opens with Arjuna’s dilemma. He asks Krsna, “You maintain that knowledge is superior to action. Then why do you ask me to engage in this terrible action? Tell…
This verse indicates Arjuna’s turmoil. He concludes he would rather beg for a living than kill his respected elders Bhisma and Drona.
Arjuna cannot understand how Krsna can advise him to fight Bhisma and Drona who are worthy of worship. He addresses Him as Madhusudana (killer of Madhu) and Arisudana (destroyer of…
Weakness and virtue do not go together. The world provokes you. If you are weak you succumb to the challenges. Stand up to them and they recede.
Krsna asks Arjuna how he has fallen into this dejection. His question implies that depression comes from within and has nothing to do with external circumstances. The world can have…
Sanjaya speaks as Arjuna is not aware of his state. Only an objective person is capable of seeing things as they are. He portrays Arjuna’s complete breakdown:
The grief-stricken Arjuna is reduced to tears. He puts down his bow and arrow and refuses to fight. He surrenders to Krsna and says, “I am your disciple. Please teach…